17 Ways to Experience Christmas in Columbus

The holiday season is upon us and the anticipation to create magical moments is real. I have compiled a list of ideas that include some of our favorite holiday traditions and some that we have been waiting to try out.

Santa’s Workshop at the Lazarus Building

Stop by Santa’s Workshop at the Lazarus Building on December 7th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mr. Clause will be available all day to take photos in the original sleigh from the building’s former life, there will be crafts led by the OSU Urban Arts Space, and the Orange Line Holiday Train will be on display in the windows.

Holiday Lights at the Columbus Commons

Holiday lights will be twinkling at the Columbus Commons from November 22nd through January 5th from dusk until 11 p.m.

On December 7th, the Columbus Commons will be celebrating the start of the holiday season, with carousel rides, face painting and hot chocolate – all for free! And, on Fridays in December before Christmas, there will be free hot chocolate and carousel rides. Plus, you will find carolers roaming around the park so you can sing along to your favorite seasonal songs as you stroll.

Sounds of the Season at the Holiday Pops Concert

Take in the sounds of the season at a Holiday Pops Concert. Holiday magic transforms the historic Ohio Theatre, filling it with beautiful decorations, wonderful music, and seasonal cheer! There are four show times offered on December 6th through December 8th so click the link to grab your tickets.

12 Elves of Dublin Scavenger Hunt

Make your way to Historic Dublin for a fun and festive scavenger hunt. Your kiddos can make their way to 12 Historic Dublin locations, try to spot the elf and get a stamp & prize for finding it. The hunt kicks off during Holly Days on December 7th and runs through December 22nd at the following participating locations: Boho 72 Boutique, Terra Art Gallery, Dublin Toy Emporium, Extragifts, Close Connections, Johnson’s Real Ice Cream, Starbucks, Dean Insurance Group, Cutler Real Estate, Our CupCakery, Biologico Beauty, Winan’s Coffee and Chocolates. Find them all before December 25th!

Village Lights in German Village

Stroll the luminary lined brick streets in German Village during the annual Village Lights event. This year Village Lights falls on Sunday, December 8th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Business stay open late with holiday specials and festive surprises, including Mr. & Mrs. Claus, ice carving, live music, mulled wine and more.

Christmas at Easton Town Center

Visit Easton Town Center to complete your holiday shopping and find some holiday cheer. In addition to shopping, Easton has plenty of family-friendly holiday activities to enjoy. From the Holiday Lighting Ceremony and fun activities with Santa to carriage rides and more.

Holidays in Worthington

Stroll through Historic old Worthington to feel the magic of the season. Don’t miss Worthington’s Holiday Open House on December 1st, the Illuminated Shopping night on December 4th, and the “It’s a Wonderful Window Contest,” throughout the holiday season.

Experience the Season at Oakland Park Nursery’s

Experience the season at one of Oakland Park Nursery’s four convenient locations. Each location features different activities including Santa visits, horse drawn carriage rides, live music, tasty treats, and so much more.

All Aboard the Huntington Holiday Train

All aboard the Huntington Holiday Train at the Main Library now through December 30th. The Holiday Train features trains, tracks, a waterfall, tunnels, bridges, mini homes and a castle. All of these pieces and parts make for a fantastic game of eye spy!

Holiday Classics at the Gateway Film Center

Experience your favorite Christmas movie on the big screen at the Gateway Film Center. The list is up and there are some classics to choose from.

The Nutcracker

Attend a performance of the Nutcracker! We are lucky in Columbus because we have two dance company’s to choose from. Balletmet’s production of The Nutcracker is performed at the Ohio Theatre by professional dancers and students from the academy, while the New Albany Children’s Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts.

Franklin Park Conservatory Aglow

Visit theFranklin Park Conservatory for the annual Conservatory Aglow November 16th through January 4th. This year the light installations are being advertised as “is bigger and brighter than ever as artists of international acclaim are incorporated into the show.” Be aware, this year there is a special engagement rate that applies for evening hours. Members receive 50% off this rate.

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

Celebrate the 20th season of Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights in Delaware, Ohio. The 3 mile drive thru light show runs from November 15th through January 1st. This year there are an 20 new light displays added to the show.

The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill

Take a road trip to visit The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill. Beginning November 29th, 4 million lights will be illuminating the mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees and bridges. There is a 100 foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights. Every night until the night before Christmas Eve you can peek into Santa’s Workshop to see a live Santa at work and then, every 15 minutes or so, watch him check his list and go up the chimney to load his sleigh.

The Scioto Mile Grand Illumination

Beginning November 21st, take a stroll along the Scioto Mile from Bicentennial Park up to Broad Street to take in the more than 250,000 lights.

The third annual WinterFest will be happening again this year at Bicentennial Park on Saturday, December 7. This celebration of giving will feature local and national musical acts, seasonal ales from hometown breweries and favorite dishes from Columbus food trucks. A portion of food truck and beer sales will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank to warm your heart and fill your belly.

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo

Experience the Columbus Zoo completely transformed into a winter wonderland covered in millions of LED lights now through January 5th. Experience animated light shows, meet and greets with some of your favorite characters, and

Visit with Santa

Be sure to visit with Santa Claus this holiday season. Our favorite meet and greet event with Santa is Cookies with Santa at the Franklin Park Conservatory. You can also catch him at Village Lights, Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo, Oakland Nursery, and of course all of the malls in the area.